balm

noun

ˈbä(l)m 

1

: a balsamic (see balsamic sense 1) resin

especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)

2

: an aromatic preparation (such as a healing ointment)

applied a balm to the wound

3

botany : any of several aromatic plants of the mint family

especially : lemon balm

4

: a spicy aromatic odor

… the white lilies in the garden, the herb bed near the bees—everything sent out fragrance and balm into the soft air …

—Agnes S. Turnbull

5

: a soothing restorative agency

Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.

—Jane Austen

Synonyms

• aroma
• attar
• otto
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• incense
• perfume
• redolence
• scent
• spice

Examples of balm in a Sentence

Art can be a balm to the soul.

She shows that laughter is a balm for difficult times.

Recent Examples on the Web

With this fish, less is more: The salty, umami balm of a miso marinade is lightened with lemon zest, which lends floral bittersweetness not unlike that from yuzu. —Eric Kim, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2024

This lip balm is formulated with ultra-nourishing organic coconut oil, shea butter and candelilla wax and costs less than $1. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024

Your undivided attention will feel like a balm to him. —Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

That’s where this ultra-hydrating lip balm comes in. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024

This balm contains fragrance but has been tested to be hypoallergenic. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 11 Apr. 2024

Beeswax is another allergen commonly found in lip balm, Cheraghlou noted. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024

That’s not the case with this clear balm, which feels slick (yet not greasy) and comes with a gourmand flavor of vanilla and brown sugar. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024

With 1250mg of CBD packed in each balm, this product is wildly popular among athletes, and people with arthritis and back pain. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English basme, baume, from Anglo-French, from Latin balsamum balsam

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing balm

• balm of Gilead
• bee balm
• lemon balm

Kids Definition

balm

noun

ˈbäm  ˈbälm 

1

: resin from small tropical evergreen trees

2

: a fragrant healing or soothing preparation (as an ointment)

3

: something that comforts or refreshes

Medical Definition

balm

noun

ˈbä(l)m, New England also ˈbȧm

1

: a balsamic resin

especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)

2

: an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)

3

: a soothing restorative agency